Outgoing PCG chief cited

Outgoing Coast Guard Cebu District station commander Rolando Punzalan was lauded for the success of the fluvial processions for San Pedro Calungsod’s Thanksgiving Mass at the South Reclamation Project on Nov. 25 and in honor of the Sto. Niño de Cebu on Jan. 19, a day prior to the Sinulog grand parade.

Punzalan was credited for his role in deploying Coast Guard personnel to secure the two religious activities.

The recognition was given by Msgr. Marnell Mejia, chairman of the committee on processions, on Thursday during the turnover ceremony at the Mariner’s Court in Pier 1.

Lt. Commander Weniel Azcuna assumed the post as the new station commander of the Philippine Coast Guard, while Punzalan was reassigned to Manila to head the NCR Coast Guard District.

“His (Punzalan) accomplishments here in Cebu are truly enormous. He has performed well as the mouthpiece of the district and I am confident that the new commander would also be able to do this,” said Coast Guard Central Visayas commander, Commodore William Melad.

“My 854 days of serving in Cebu is fulfilling. The new commander is a competent leader. I know he will serve well the people in Cebu,” Punzalan said in his speech.

Azcuna was the former director of Coast Guard Command Center from 2010 to 2011. He worked as an operations and intelligence officer of the Philippine Coast Guard in Manila.

Last December, he graduated in Masters of Science in Maritime Affairs in Malmo, Sweden.

“This is a new chapter of my life. I am grateful for the trust and capability given to me to serve Coast Guard Cebu,” Azcuna said.

Azcuna said he will find ways to further expand the district’s services to the maritime community of Cebu.

The new Coast Guard commander mentioned maritime safety and security as his priorities during his administration.

“We will make sure on the sea worthiness of the vessels before they could sail. We would also be making sure that the vessels and the ports would be secure from any untoward incidents,” Azcuna added. /Correspondent Joy Cherry S. Quito